CPU
GPU
PRO A12-9800E
Core i7-870
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The PRO A12-9800E is positioned at rank 343 and the Core i7-870 is on rank 987, so the PRO A12-9800E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar PRO A12-9800E
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | PRO A12-9800E | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | PRO A12-9800E | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of PRO A12-9800E and Core i7-870
PRO A12-9800E
The PRO A12-9800E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,128 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i7-870
The Core i7-870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,164 points. Launch price was $305.
Processing Power
The PRO A12-9800E packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-870's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the PRO A12-9800E versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the PRO A12-9800E (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The PRO A12-9800E uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the PRO A12-9800E scores 3,128 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-870.
| Feature | PRO A12-9800E | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+6% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+6% | 2.93 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2048 kB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 28 nm-38% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,128 | 3,164+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 476 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,541 |
Memory & Platform
The PRO A12-9800E uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-870 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | PRO A12-9800E | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (PRO A12-9800E) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870). Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.
| Feature | PRO A12-9800E | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
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